Dear Members,
One of my favorite things about PPRA is our sense of true community. We get each other -- a lot like police and firefighters feel a kinship to their professional counterparts.
Members may work for different employers, but our professionalism is what brings us together. And, when one of us faces a challenge, the rest of us want to do whatever we can to help out.
Take, for instance, the story of Mary Salisbury.
Mary is a 2017 Temple University graduate who had just earned her first full-time job at a public relations agency. That alone, frankly, struck me as impressive. After all, the competition for even entry-level PR jobs is fierce. The fact that Mary got her foot in the door meant she has something going for her. Talent. Perseverance. Maybe a bit of both.
 Just two months after graduation - and a few weeks after starting her new job - Mary suffered a serious spinal cord injury. She is paralyzed now - working every day to rehab. Slowly, steadily, progress is happening.
I want Mary to be part of PPRA - we can never have too much emerging talent in our ranks. Indeed, Mary's career is on hold right now, but it is far from over. And the members of the Philadelphia public relations community - her colleagues - want to help.
On
Thursday, April 12 at the Field House, PPRA is presenting an event to recognize Mary Salisbury and to raise money for her needs and for Magee Rehabilitation Hospital, where she undergoes those grueling rehabilitation sessions.
We hope you can join us. We expect Mary to be there -- joined by her family, friends and colleagues. Brian Communications, where Mary interned, has pledged support. Tonic Life Communications, where Mary worked at the time of her injury, has indicated it will help. PPRA will be out en force to network for a cause.
After all, Mary Salisbury is one of us. PR people need to stick together - on and off the job.
Meanwhile, if you want to help in some way - or donate something that can be bid on at silent auction - please contact PPRA. We will put everything we receive to good use.
Someday - hopefully soon - I hope to learn that Mary Salisbury is back at work and living the life she envisioned before her injury occurred. When that happens, it will be a victory that all of us in PPRA will celebrate!
Best,
2017-2018 President
Philadelphia Public Relations Association
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PPRA members also enjoyed a super win
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Philadelphia-area PR pros reveled in the Super Bowl hype, using the opportunity to cheer the Eagles - and get a little attention. Among the promotions and celebrations:
Independence Blue Cross sponsored a dog mask cutout. SpArc Philadelphia's monthly dance party adopted a Super Bowl theme. The Museum of the American Revolution renamed its Patriots Gallery as Eagles Gallery. The Pennsylvania Convention Center was lit in Eagles green. The Philadelphia Orchestra sponsored a contest for conducting the Eagles fight song. Shriners Hospital for Children produced a "let's go" video and Visit Philadelphia even enlisted Betsy Ross.
Of course, there were an abundance of side bets. It was a sweet victory for PPRA President Adam Dvorin. Ever the gambling man, Adam proposed a wager between the Boston chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) and a brotherly love combination of PPRA and the Philadelphia chapter of PRSA. "I just had a sense about this team," Adam said, "and wanted to let our colleagues in New England know how much we believed in the underdog Eagles." New England not only lost the Super Bowl, their public relations practitioner fans dropped their bet. As the losing side, Boston PRSA reps will wear Eagles shirts in front of the Beantown locations of their choice. (Note photo of swag - and snarky note). The distraught Pats backers also will be sending Boston-themed treats for PPRA and PRSA board meetings. Even better, Boston contributes $100 toward our PROactive partner,
Tree House Books.
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Michael Zimbalist has joined Philadelphia Media Network, publisher of the Inquirer, Daily News and
Philly.com
,
as Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer.
Billy Penn has a new acting editor. Shannon Wink has stepped down. Danya Henninger is serving as acting editor. Also, Michaela Winberg has been added to the staff as a reporter. She previous wrote for the Temple News.
MORE
6abc anchor/reporter Gray Hall is back at work after undergoing emergency brain surgery.
MORE
Several new reporters have joined the Philadelphia Inquirer, Daily News and Philly.com, including
Cassie Owens and
Juliana Reyes, covering modern life and
Holly Otterbein has come on board as Clout Columnist. Also
Maria Panaritis has left the business department to write a column about suburban issues.
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MEMBER NEWS
PPRA Programming Co-Chair
Stefanie Arck Baynes, Philabundance Director of Communications, welcomed her first child - 5 lb, 3 oz. Zoey Asha Baynes - into the world on Jan. 17. The proud mom notes Zoey shares her birthday with Michelle Obama and Muhammad Ali.
Adrienne E. Brown of the Philadelphia Bar Foundation has been named as a Board Director of
Young Involved Philadelphia, which promotes active citizenship and emerging leadership among young Philadelphians.
Rev. David Brown, assistant professor at Temple University, received the 20th annual
Harris Wofford Active Citizenship Award. Brown was honored for his "years of steadfast support of the Greater Philadelphia King Day of Service and lifelong dedication and commitment to public service and civic engagement."
Gregg Feistman appeared on KYW Newsradio's "
Flashpoint" public affairs program on Dealing with the Aftermath of Sexual Misconduct.
Michael Kleiner, owner of Michael Kleiner Public Relations and Web Design, has been named Sports and Business Editor for
The Norwegian American newspaper. Michael, who has lived, studied and traveled in Norway and is the author of a memoir, "
Beyond the Cold: An American's Warm Portrait of Norway."
Marissa Reale is now a public relations intern at
Vault Communications.
Rachel Walsh is now an Associate Media Planner for
CMI/Compas. In her new role, she will work to suggest, secure, monitor and analyze advertising placements for pharmaceutical organizations. She will split her time between the Philadelphia and Cherry Hill offices.
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NOTABLE PLACEMENTS
SPRYTE Communications drew coverage for its client, Episcopal Community Service (ECS), which conducted a series of Christmas Parties at its Out of School Time (OST) locations. The parties, complete with gifts provided by donors, earned stories from 6ABC and NBC10. ECS runs the programs throughout Philadelphia and in Darby, Pa.
Cashman & Associates placed a story about client 500 Walnut's sale of its $17.85M Penthouse in
Unique Homes Living in Luxury. The article gives a peek inside the ultra-luxury, 26-story glass tower featuring condos ranging from 2,700-4,300 square feet.
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#PPRAProud
Win an award? Speaking on a panel? Landed an amazing media hit?
Email us your good news at
info@ppra.com or tweet us using #PPRAProud.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
"Channel Chat: Who's new, What's Up, How's it Changing?"
Tuesday, March 6, 2018
8:30 - 10:30 a.m.
Temple University Center City, 1515 Market St., Suite 215, Philadelphia, PA
What's the secret to landing feature coverage on Philadelphia's TV and radio stations? Broadcast placements are highly coveted but securing them is increasingly difficult. How are broadcast needs changing? Who should you approach? What does it take to pique a reporter's interest? What makes a strong story-and what makes pitching broadcast different from packaging story pitches for other news mediums?
PPRA is excited to bring you an outstanding panel of journalists, producers and editors to give you the inside scoop.
Members Only Program: Annual NYC Trip
Friday, March 16, 2018
10:00 a.m. Meet Up
Get in a New York state of mind as PPRA makes its annual trek to the Big Apple. This year, we'll be touring NBC Studios, USA Today's new New York office and the New York Times. We will hear from journalists on how to best pitch their outlets. Also, PR Council President Renee Wilson will be addressing our group at lunch.
Student Program: "Careers 101: From College to Career"
Tuesday, April 10, 2018
5:30 - 8:30 p.m.
PECO, 2301 Market St., Philadelphia, PA
Does it seem like you're always getting the same advice on landing your first job out of college? "Be patient, an opportunity will come along" and "Go on as many informational interviews as possible in the meantime" are truths of the post-grad (or soon to be) life. Still, PPRA knows you need more answers than that!
Join us for the annual Careers 101 event to hear from a panel of communication industry professionals who have been in your shoes and come out on the other side with a job offer. You'll have the chance to ask all your burning questions and network to your heart's desire with folks with connections potential employers.
PPRA Helps One of Our Own: Happy Hour with Mary Salisbury
Thursday, April 12, 2018
5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Field House, 1150 Filbert St., Philadelphia, PA 19107
Mark your calendar for a fundraising event in honor of PPRA Member Mary Salisbury, who is rehabilitating following a serious spinal cord injury. Money raised will be split between Mary's continuing care and Magee Rehabilitation Hospital.
It is a way for PPRA Members to help one of our own. Mary is a 2017 Graduate of Temple University, an employee of Tonic Life Communications and a former intern at Brian Communications.
There will be celebrity bartenders, silent auction items and the chance to meet Mary and wish her luck as she continues rehabilitation.
2018 Hall of Fame Luncheon Honoring Bonnie Grant
Thursday, May 17, 2018
11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
The Liberty View at Independence Visitor Center, 6th & Market Streets, Philadelphia, PA
The PPRA Hall of Fame recognizes public relations professionals whose accomplishments have brought honor and recognition to the profession. The award is the Philadelphia region's most prestigious recognition of a public relations professional for his or her superior contributions to the public relations industry, the community, and the Philadelphia Public Relations Association.
As Executive Director of PHL Life Sciences, a division of the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau, Bonnie Grant is responsible for marketing greater Philadelphia, ranked the second-largest life sciences sector in the country, as "America's Life Sciences Meetings Destination." In her role, she manages more than 60 regional life sciences leaders from Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware, leveraging common resources to enhance awareness of the region as a vibrant destination for life sciences meetings and conventions.
REGISTER HERE
2018 Annual Meeting Celebration: "#MeToo: A Conversation with Tarana Burke, Founder of a Social Media Movement"
Tuesday, June 5, 2018
5:30 - 8 p.m.
Science History Institute, 315 Chestnut St., Philadelphia, PA
Please join us as we present the 2018 PPRA Fast Track and Dr. Jean Brodey Achievement Awards. We will also salute our outgoing President Adam Dvorin and the 2017-18 Board of Governors. We will induct our incoming president Nina Scimenes and the 2018-19 Board of Governors.
Our keynote speaker is Tarana Burke, who created the #MeTooMovement in 2006 to raise awareness of the pervasiveness of sexual abuse and assault in society. She has a Philadelphia connection having moved here in 2008 and serving as managing director of Art Sanctuary. Ms. Burke served as a consultant for the movie,
Selma. Burke will share the heartbreaking story behind the genesis of the viral "MeToo Movement, which began on social media and now has captured international interest.
We are looking forward to welcoming our members and prospective members to the Science History Institute (formerly The Chemical Heritage Foundation) where the stories of innovators and discoveries that shape our lives are shared.
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PROACTIVE
Each year,
our PRoactive program allows members to lend their time and talents as public relations professionals to a new nonprofit partner. This year we're helping literacy-advocate Tree House Books. You can support our PRoactive partner by making a new or gently used book donation by emailing kturner@vaultcommunications.com.
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WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
New faces have joined PPRA. Make sure to say hello if you see them at one of our next events!
- Siobhan Arnold, Solo practitioner
- Evan Berland, GSK
- Rachel Brown, SteegeThomson Communications
- HughE Dillon, HughE Dillon LLC
- Samara Grossel, The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphi
- Kristen Heintz, Maven Communications
- Katy Lang, PJM Interconnection
- Ivy McDaniels, Children's Scholarship Fund Philadelphia
- Kelly Anne Murphy, Philadelphia History Museum at the Atwater Kent
- Bridget Palmer, Bancroft
- Alyssa Porambo, La Salle University
- Steven Rosenberg, Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia
- Alex Stroker, Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy
- Lauren Tosti, GBCA
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JOB BANK
Your dream career could be a few clicks away. Visit
PPRA's Job Bank for more details on the following positions:
- Public Relations Account Supervisor, Hornercom
- Part-Time Public Relations Pro, Geneva Global
- Communications Strategist - Sciences, Princeton University
- Senior Coordinator, Public Relations, American Association for Cancer Research
- Manager, Public Relations, American Association for Cancer Research
- Public Relations Counselor, Anne Klein Communications Group
- Content Specialist, En Route
- Internship, Wawa Welcome Americe
- Senior Account Executive, Gregory FCA
- Account Executive, Gregory FCA
- Communications Associate, The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage
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